He was notified of the board's concern that the matter was getting out of control last week ahead of his last game as manager away against Blackpool last Saturday.

Former Grimsby manager Russell Slade, who guided the club to the League Two play-off final in 2006, has been in talks with chairman John Fenty and could take over before the Good Friday fixture against Cambridge United.

Bignot had been a divisive figure in the Blundell Park dressing room since January when he told five players that they could leave to make way for new signings.

Among the five were Craig Disley, James McKeown and Josh Gowling - three players who helped Grimsby gain promotion under former boss Paul Hurst last season.

It is understood that a number of those brought in at the start of the year had also started to become concerned with his management style and team selection.

Bignot, who was on a six-month rolling contract, departs having guided the club to nine wins in 27 games, including the 3-1 victory at Blackpool.

Former Grimsby manager Russell Slade could be set to return to the club later this week

The Mariners are 14th in Sky Bet League Two and seven points off the play-offs with five games remaining. They were eighth when the former Solihull Moors boss was appointed in November.

Earlier this season he was forced to make a pitchside apology to fans after they lost 5-0 away to Crewe Alexandra.

A club statement issued on Monday said: ‘Following Grimsby Town Football Club’s return to The EFL, there remains a strong ambition to build on last season’s promotion.

‘Therefore, it is with regret that today the Club has decided to release the current Management Team from their first team duties.

‘The Board would like to put on record their thanks to Marcus Bignot, Michael Moore and Gary Whild for all their hard work and efforts during the last 6 months and wish them the best for their futures.’

Assistant manager Micky Moore and head of recruitment Gary Whild, who worked under Bignot, have also left the club.

Bignot approached Grimsby fans to apologise after their 5-0 loss at Crewe Alexandra